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Top picks in Kearny Mesa

Carne asada and taco spots

A taco where the carne asada is the main event, not an afterthought buried under a mountain of toppings.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Cali's & Fries image 1
Cali's & Fries image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Minimalist taco shop style sets a clean, comfy, and quiet atmosphere with cafeteria-style seating. A self-serve salsa bar and free hot carrots add to the casual vibe. Known for authentic California burritos and consistent quality, it stays open late when others close.

Carne asada here is lean with no gross fat trimmings and served over super flavorful, crispy fries. The Surf & Turf Carne Asada fries come in a huge plate and stand out as a go-to choice.

Tacos here come in varied styles like adobada, quesabirria, and rolled tacos. The spot offers more options than average taco shops and delivers a real San Diego taco shop atmosphere.

People are saying

"The salsa bar has awesome, tasty salsas and spicy carrots and jalapenos."

"The carne asada fries here are amazing and crispy."

"The rolled tacos are excellent with good guacamole and cheese."

Good to know

1

$2 taco Tuesdays offer a budget-friendly option for visitors.

2

Cali's & Fries has plenty of parking available in front.

3

The restaurant is known for its clean bathrooms.

02
Gualberto's 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers large portions with affordable prices and fresh tortillas. Atmosphere gets crowded during lunch hours, with limited parking nearby. Known for flavorful carne asada and spicy red salsa.

Carne asada comes cooked to perfection with extreme flavor and juiciness. The plate serves a large portion with rice, sides, and five tortillas, enough for two people.

Fish tacos stand out with their mild salsa and fresh flavors. This spot offers superior tacos and burritos that many find unmatched in the area.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and a great value."

"I believed these tacos were the best in the area."

"The Carne Asada is so flavorful and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight during dinner hours; consider street parking or back lot.

2

Prices are affordable, with large portions offered at a fair price.

3

They serve breakfast all day, making it a versatile dining option.

03
Brother’s Mexican Food 3 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers free chips and salsa bar with wide menu options including dishes not usually found nearby. Seating is limited and no-frills, with a casual atmosphere. Food features large portions and fresh salsas, attracting those seeking hearty, flavorful meals.

Carne asada breakfast burrito stands out with its rich flavor. Tacos come with both al pastor and carne asada options. California burrito has very little carne asada inside.

Tacos come larger than typical street tacos with all the toppings needed. Options like al pastor and carne asada arrive warm, juicy, and packed with flavor, especially during Taco Wednesday specials.

People are saying

"I found the California burrito to be outstanding and perfect."

"I found their carne asada breakfast burrito to be amazing."

"I would recommend this place's tacos to others."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes not typically found in local Mexican restaurants.

2

The portion sizes of the dishes are generous.

3

The pricing is considered good for the quality of food offered.

04
Chacho's Tacos image 1
Restaurant

Food truck setup offers fresh Mexican tacos with homemade salsas and vegetarian options. Atmosphere feels homey and pairs well with the adjacent brewery, creating a casual spot for eating and drinking. Ordering involves a self-service kiosk, though it can be inefficient at times.

Carne asada comes with a good amount of shrimp and meat, balanced without being oily or fishy. It stands out as really good, just behind the top-rated pollo adobada.

Tacos come with super juicy carnitas and flavorful chicken options. Street tacos pair well with beer and offer delicious salsas and burritos that satisfy cravings.

People are saying

"The Carne Asada tacos here are really good and flavorful."

"The shrimp tacos here are flavorful and not fishy at all."

"I still dream about the delicious tacos I had here."

Good to know

1

Most tacos cost about $3.99, making it an affordable option.

2

The food truck has shaded outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying your meal.

3

Catering services are available for events, providing a convenient option for large groups.

05
Soto's Mexican Food #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers quick service with huge portions and a varied salsa bar featuring about six options. Atmosphere is laid back and quiet, suitable for a casual, fast meal. Food quality stands out, especially in dishes like carne asada and Albondigas soup.

Fresh meat stands out in the carne asada fries. Plates like the #7 carne asada and #12 Chimichanga show solid preparation and flavor.

Beef tacos come with a price of $19 for three, which feels a bit high. Al Pastor and fish tacos stand out with really good flavor, while chicken tacos use day-old rotisserie chicken that looks grey.

People are saying

"I loved the huge burritos and carne asada plate."

"The carne asada here is really good and on point."

"I found the beef tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect quick service, with some orders ready in under five minutes.

2

Prices are not displayed on the menu, so be prepared for surprises.

3

The restaurant offers a self-serve chips and salsa bar with six salsa options.

06
Rolbertos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an extensive menu offers authentic dishes like carne asada burritos and fresh salsa. Atmosphere feels clean and casual but could benefit from updates. Popular during lunch hour, it draws those seeking reasonably priced meals with generous portions.

Carne asada burritos stand out as a neighborhood favorite, consistently tasty and satisfying. The carne asada tacos and quesadillas also deliver solid flavor and quality.

Carne asada tacos and burritos stand out with very tasty flavors. Fish tacos come with red salsa but sometimes the taco shells are half empty.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and fresh."

"The Carne Asada burritos are stacked with meat and taste awesome."

"I really enjoyed the carne asada taco."

Good to know

1

Prices for meals are generally around $12.

2

The restaurant is easily accessible off Highway 15.

3

Parking can be tricky due to unusual traffic flow.

07
The Taco Stand image 1
Taco restaurant

Space is extremely narrow with limited seating, mostly standing room and a small counter. Atmosphere feels crowded and lively, with Mexican music playing and customers often brushing shoulders. Guests can watch homemade tortillas being prepared and enjoy a serve-yourself salsa bar.

Carne asada comes perfectly seasoned and grilled to smoky perfection. Options include carne asada fries and tacos with juicy, flavorful meat.

Shrimp and Al Pastor tacos stand out with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Beans come without lard, and mushroom tacos satisfy those seeking a unique option.

People are saying

"These tacos are worth the wait; they're the best in San Diego."

"I thought the tacos here were amazing and worth trying."

"I found the carne asada here to be amazing and grilled to perfection."

Good to know

1

The Taco Stand operates as an order-and-go type place with no seating available.

2

Parking can be challenging at The Taco Stand.

3

I recommend ordering ahead because they get busy.

08
Casa Machado Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Restaurant offers airport runway views with planes taking off and landing visible from inside. Atmosphere blends Mexican culture with airplane decor, creating a unique and lively vibe. Separate bar area features big screens for sports, attracting groups and company gatherings.

Carne asada dishes come fresh and flavorful, especially the carne asada burrito with just asada and pico. Plates and quesadillas highlight the freshness and solid taste of the meat.

Shrimp, pork, and carne asada tacos come with fresh flavors and solid preparation. Fish and ground beef tacos stand out for their excellent taste and quality.

People are saying

"I love the Mexican food here; the view of planes is amazing."

"I loved the Carne Asada plate; it was great and fresh."

"I found the ground beef tacos here to be the best."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 pm to 9 pm with various drink specials.

2

Daily specials are available throughout the week, offering great value.

3

The restaurant is located on the second floor of Montgomery Airport.

09
Burros & Fries - Kearny Mesa image 1

Mexican restaurant offers inventive menu with wide variety and notable burritos praised for flavor. Atmosphere includes loud kitchen noise and presence of tiny fruit flies, with no air conditioning but an open door for airflow. Salsa bar stands out as clean and fresh feature.

Carne asada offers great texture and flavor with decent portions on the plate. Carne asada fries score lower, around 5 out of 10, and come with less positive staff energy.

Tacos here offer a San Diego-style twist with authentic Mexican flavors. Options include Xolo tacos, potato tacos, birria, and beef rolled tacos, plus unique fries and rolled taco combos.

People are saying

"I thought the burritos here were the best I ate all year."

"I loved the house salsa for its onion and garlic kick."

"The Carne Asada here has great texture and flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant maintains a clean and neat environment for diners.

2

Expect a variety of inventive menu items that cater to different tastes.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with some dishes exceeding $20.

10
Castañeda's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant open 24 hours with large portions and a tasty salsa bar. Atmosphere feels cozy but shows some wear and tear. Popular for carne asada tacos and carne asada fries considered among the best in the area.

Juicy carne asada appears in tacos, fries, and chips, all cooked properly. The carne asada fries stand out as a favorite, fitting needs perfectly and noted as the best in the city.

Tacos feature fresh ingredients and come in varieties like Al pastor, carne asada, cabeza, and tripe. Rolled tacos and crispy tacos offer consistent quality with generous fillings at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"The salsa bar had a delicious variety of fresh options."

"I loved their Carne Asada fries; they're the best I've had."

"I had the best beef taco with a full filling."

Good to know

1

Castañeda's is open 24 hours for convenient late-night dining.

2

Expect large portions; carne asada fries weigh over 2 pounds.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $17.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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